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Smoking as a risk factor for cerebral ischaemia
G A Donnan1, J J McNeil, M A Adena
1Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 16, 1989
Summary
Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly due to vascular disease. This risk persists even after quitting and is also linked to passive smoke exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases.
- The precise impact of smoking on different subtypes of cerebral ischemia requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if clinical classification of cerebral ischemia identifies subgroups with varying risks associated with smoking.
- To investigate the long-term effects of smoking cessation on stroke risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 422 first-episode cerebral ischemia patients and 422 controls.
- Computerized tomography was used for clinical classification of cerebral ischemia.
- Analysis included relative risks for smoking and passive smoke exposure.
Main Results:
- Ischemic stroke due to vascular disease showed a significantly higher risk with smoking (RR 5.7).
- Stroke from cardiac emboli had no increased smoking risk (RR 0.4).
- Smoking risk persisted for up to 10 years after cessation and passive exposure was an independent risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Smoking is a potent risk factor for common ischemic stroke, likely due to atheroma formation.
- Public health strategies should emphasize smoking cessation and avoidance of passive smoke exposure.